Description of Indicator
This indicator identifies the public and private school enrollment from preschool to 12th grade and provides the counts and percentages of population enrolled in both public and private schools.
Why is it important?
While many education statistics are based solely on public school research, this indicator also considers private school enrollment and provides breakdowns of enrollment in each. As economic development tools, private schools create additional jobs and increase the tax base – two factors critical in driving the economy.
How is the region performing?
Over the past three years, Lackawanna County has seen declines in public school enrollment. The public and private school breakout percentages in Luzerne County for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 did not have much variation, but in 2022-2023, Luzerne County saw a slight increase in public school enrollment. Wayne County experienced no change from year to year for 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 but experienced a decline in public school enrollment for the year 2020-2021, which falls in line with the number of students declining.
